Prowler problem persists

Southern Oregon University will host a community discussion tonight at 7 p.m. at the Old Mill Village Apartments community building about a reported prowler around the family housing neighborhood.

Officers from the Ashland Police Department, campus security and housing officials will offer residents tips on protecting themselves and gauge interest in starting a neighborhood watch program, said Michelle Schuster, SOU's director of family housing.

Police have received about 10 reports since June that seem to lead back to one suspect reported to wear dark clothing and a black ski mask, said Deputy Chief Rich Walsh. Witnesses describe a man in his late 20s to late 40s, with a medium build, standing between 5 feet 8 inches and 6 feet tall, Walsh said.

Residents of an Emerick Street apartment reported a suspicious person walking through the complex Monday around — a.m., which could be related to the earlier incidents, according to the police report.

"This is a high priority for us, and it has been for a while," Walsh said. "Our concern is what the person's intentions are and where it's going to lead, because a lot of times individuals that have a certain type of perversion, they get steadily worse as time goes on."